Relegation a Real Threat for Villarreal
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There is mid-week action to look forward to in La Liga and we have an exciting match between Villarreal and Barcelona to enjoy on Tuesday night.
This game has repercussion at both ends of the table, with the hosts hoping to avoid relegation and the visitors attempting to clinch the league title. Villarreal know a win in this game would be massive as they aim to move clear of the bottom three but will have their work cut out against the league leaders.
Villarreal were involved in a thrilling match at the foot of the table on the weekend as they met Celta Vigo, who were one place and 4 points below them in the relegation zone. Villarreal took a 2-0 lead into the second half but eventually lost the match 3-2, in what was a bitter pill to swallow.
That loss means Villarreal’s impressive run of four straight wins in all competitions came to an end and it could not have happened in more disappointing circumstances.
Home form in La Liga shows Villarreal have won two of their last eight games and trends show they have won only three of their last sixteen at the Estadio de la Cerámica in the league. Scoring goals has not been a problem but they have struggled to defend and trends show both teams have scored in ten of their last eleven home La Liga games.
Barcelona took another step towards the title on the weekend as they defeated Espanyol 2-0 at home in the derby. The teams were tied at 0-0 going in at half-time but Lionel Messi stepped up and scored two goals in the second half to seal the win for the hosts.
That result means Barcelona have won each of their last seven games (not include the Supercopa Catalunya) and have remained undefeated in their fourteen matches in all competitions.
Trend show Barcelona have won eight of their last ten away La Liga games, drawing the other two and you must go back to the 2-1 defeat at Leganes in September to find the last time they lost an away league game.
Barcelona have scored 2 or more goals in six of their last eight away La Liga games and have kept a clean sheet in five of those matches.
Looking ahead to the team news and Villarreal are still without Miguelon, Jaume Costa, Manu Trigueros and Bruno Soriano. Javi Fuego could recover from illness and return to the squad.
Barcelona will travel without the injured duo of Ousmane Dembele and Rafinha, the latter of which is out for the season. Every other outfield player should be fit and available.
Villarreal have a battle on their hands to stay in the top-flight this season and they don’t come much tougher than Barcelona. Despite having home advantage, Villarreal are going to find this difficult and Barcelona should come away with another 3 points towards their bid for the title.
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